On YouTube - BORROW vs. LEND - An Easy Way To Remember

Introduction

Welcome to NJCLT's Borrow vs. Lend lesson on YouTube! Are you struggling to distinguish between these two commonly confused words? You're not alone! In this comprehensive video lesson, we will explain the key differences and provide you with an easy way to remember when to use 'borrow' and when to use 'lend' in English.

Understanding Borrow and Lend

Both 'borrow' and 'lend' are verbs that revolve around the act of giving and receiving items. However, their usage and the perspective of the involved parties differ.

When you borrow something, you take or use an item temporarily with the intention of returning it to the original owner. For example, if you borrow a book from a library, you are expected to return it after a certain period of time.

On the other hand, lending involves willingly giving someone an item temporarily. As the lender, you expect the borrower to return the item to you in the future. For instance, if you lend someone your car, you anticipate that they will return it to you at some point.

The Easy Way to Remember

Understanding the basic concept is helpful, but how can you ensure that you never mix up these words again? We have a simple trick for you:

Think of 'Borrow' as 'Taking'

Using the word 'borrow' brings to mind the idea of taking something. When you borrow something, you are taking or receiving an item for temporary use. This association can help you remember that 'borrow' is used when you are the one taking an item from someone else.

Think of 'Lend' as 'Giving'

Conversely, 'lend' can be associated with giving. When you lend something, you are giving an item to someone temporarily, with the expectation that they will eventually return it. This connection serves as a helpful reminder that 'lend' is used when you are the one giving an item to someone else.

Examples

Let's further illustrate the correct usage of 'borrow' and 'lend' with some examples:

1. Borrow

• I need to borrow your pen for a moment.
• He asked to borrow my laptop for the weekend.
• Can I borrow some money for lunch today?

2. Lend

• She always lends me her support whenever I need it.
• My neighbor kindly lent me his power tools for the home repair.
• Will you lend me your car for the weekend getaway?

Conclusion

Congratulations! Now you have a solid understanding of when to use 'borrow' and 'lend' in English. Remember, 'borrow' relates to taking, while 'lend' relates to giving. Feel free to visit our YouTube channel for more informative lessons on various English language topics. Empower yourself with knowledge at NJCLT!